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Calmini Rack Mod

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Offline TN_Tracker

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Calmini Rack Mod
« on: October 27, 2005, 08:05:34 PM »
I got tired of not being able to have a normal conversation or listen to the stereo while driving down the freeway because of my howling Calmini Rack. I decided to cut and shorten the top tube then add a fairing. I thought M/T's were loud but nothing compares to the irritating noise this thing would make. It's as quiet as a church mouse now and all it cost me was $6.00 for 2 cans of paint, I already had the fairing and did the fab work myself. The added benefits are I can actually raise my antenna all the way now and limbs won't get stuck in the front of the rack on the trail. May even gain a little MPG.





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Offline safarikick

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Re: Calmini Rack Mod
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2005, 09:20:03 PM »
i like it  :)
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3+3 calmini 5.12 a lock in the back and front with steel front diff. 4.24 in tc
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Offline Rhinoman

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Re: Calmini Rack Mod
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2005, 04:44:57 AM »
Good tip. I thought about making something like that to improve the mpg. I shall definately try it now as a reduction in wind noise will be very welcome.
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2000 Vitara 1.6, 3+3 Lift, 33"MTs, 5:83s, LWB brakes, Winch, Snorkel, Safari Rack
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Offline TN_Tracker

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Re: Calmini Rack Mod
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2005, 05:57:51 AM »
Thanks guys. ;D
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Offline crikeymike

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Re: Calmini Rack Mod
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2005, 11:49:43 AM »
For the $1 cost of the plastic to make that, why the hell doesn't calmini give it with the rack?  Their products annoy me sometimes.
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1993 4-door Sidekick
3" hybrid Calmini/OME lift, 2" B/L, Rear air locker
Shrockworks bar & sliders, Full skid plates
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Offline chrisvitarasport94

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Re: Calmini Rack Mod
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2005, 12:19:43 PM »
what can we in the UK get like this, to avoid the Calmini prices and lengthy import delays? I already have the factory soft top roof rails, but can't get a factory load carrier, and the aftermarket ali ones look nice but would bend under the first overhanding branch !
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'94 3dr s/top Sport, roof bars, roof lights, Calmini bumper, SuperwinchEP9, CB & handheld, GPS, 2" body lift, skid plates, 2.5" susp lift, & hi-lift. Safari Snorkel. R Lockright
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Offline ksa421

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Re: Calmini Rack Mod
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2005, 12:59:51 PM »
What did you use for the wing part?
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'90 Kick, Calmini 6" lift, 32x10.50 Pro Comps, Calmini bumper, 8000lb winch, 1.6l VW TD;
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Offline Rhinoman

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Re: Calmini Rack Mod
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2005, 02:24:55 PM »
Quote from: chrisvitarasport94 on October 28, 2005, 12:19:43 PM
what can we in the UK get like this, to avoid the Calmini prices and lengthy import delays? I already have the factory soft top roof rails, but can't get a factory load carrier, and the aftermarket ali ones look nice but would bend under the first overhanding branch !

I bought a Steel Horse cage from Specialist Leisure. Not cheap but it fits nicely
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2000 Vitara 1.6, 3+3 Lift, 33"MTs, 5:83s, LWB brakes, Winch, Snorkel, Safari Rack
1986 SJ413K PickUp, 1.6L conversion.

OBD1 - Full diagnostics on a PC/Laptop: http://www.rhinopower.org
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mudfkr

Re: Calmini Rack Mod
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2005, 02:31:24 PM »
Quote from: ksa421 on October 28, 2005, 12:59:51 PM
What did you use for the wing part?

I don't know what TN_Tracker used but I'd be going for a piece of Polycarbonate (Lexan) due to it being unbreakable.
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Offline crikeymike

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Re: Calmini Rack Mod
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2005, 04:16:08 PM »
Thule and Yakima make a clamp/bolt on thingy that looks like what TN_Tracker used.  I have a Yakima one, but not yet mounted.
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1993 4-door Sidekick
3" hybrid Calmini/OME lift, 2" B/L, Rear air locker
Shrockworks bar & sliders, Full skid plates
4.24:1 t-case
 WAZUKS member - visit http://www.wazuks.com
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Offline TN_Tracker

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Re: Calmini Rack Mod
« Reply #10 on: October 28, 2005, 04:17:48 PM »
Quote from: crikeymike on October 28, 2005, 11:49:43 AM
For the $1 cost of the plastic to make that, why the hell doesn't calmini give it with the rack?  Their products annoy me sometimes.


Good question, it's probably because both ends of the rack are symmetrical so it's easier for them to produce...ie, only one jig is needed. My mod shortens the top bar on one end so they would need another jig. The original rack is well built but the wind noise was unbearable.

Quote from: ksa421 on October 28, 2005, 12:59:51 PM
What did you use for the wing part?


It's a fairing made by Thule. http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/default.asp They have since changed the design but older ones like mine are available on Ebay. I used the factory holes in the fairing, shortened the factory brackets then welded them to the bars.

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Offline TN_Tracker

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Re: Calmini Rack Mod
« Reply #11 on: October 28, 2005, 04:23:29 PM »
Quote from: crikeymike on October 28, 2005, 04:16:08 PM
Thule and Yakima make a clamp/bolt on thingy that looks like what TN_Tracker used.  I have a Yakima one, but not yet mounted.

Yep, the Yakima fairing would probably clamp right on the original rack since Yakima uses round bars. I was going for a factory look and already had the Thule fairing.
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